I would first like to thank the Democratic Party of Newfield for endorsing me in past election years and this election year.
For those of you who do know me, my name is Karen Miller Kenerson. I am a fourth generation Newfielder from humble beginnings on Seely Hill Road and the third generation to live on family land on Burdge Hill Road. I am also a graduate of Newfield Central School, SUNY Morrisville, and Hixson’s School of Floral Design. I owned a local Floral Shop for 20 years, and left it to care for my mother before she passed in 2014.
Kathy Crance liked me to help in the Town Clerk’s Office during Tax time in early 2006, and shortly after that I was promoted to a full time Deputy Clerk position. Kathy was an awesome mentor and I am forever grateful for her trust in me. Since Kathy’s retirement I have been an appointed and elected Town Clerk for my beloved home town.
I am member of the New York State Town Clerk’s Association and was a District 6 Director of this organization. I am also a member of the New York State Tax Collectors Association and also a Registered Municipal Clerk – a title I earned by taking additional classes annually thru NYSCA annually by attending educational programs throughout the year. Locally I am a member of the Tompkins County Town Clerk Association, Newfield Community Good Neighbor Fund, Secretary of the Newfield Rod and Gun Club, Newfield Historical Society, have helped at the food pantry, and many years ago placed flags on the veteran graves prior to an organized group taking over.
I also attend church here in Newfield and am an avid quilter, and Morgan horse owner as well as the keeper of a corgi, Ellie who comes to Town Hall daily as well! As Town Clerk, I am the Clerk to the Town Board, issue marriage and dog licenses, sell Department of Conservation Hunting Tags, collect town and county taxes and school taxes, collect water and sewer fees, notary of public, answer a whole lot of questions, and listen to people. I listen a lot!
I take great pride in my work in the Newfield Town Clerk’s Office.
I believe the office should be a nonpartisan zone and I often tell new Board Members to please put aside their blue/red party and to really do what is best for the residents of Newfield. I refer to it as Team Green! While I am a registered Republican, I do this in honor of my Grandpa Seely, who helped raise me. I enjoy helping the people of Newfield, and giving them the best resident care I can, even while at times having to step out of my comfort zone. Everyone is treated with respect and courtesy.
I would like to continue this until I retire and I am blessed to work with a great group of people on the Town Board. The board does what they feel is best for the town and its residents.
Thank you …